3.5.1.4 Key Theorists

• Howard Becker argues that labeling certain behaviors as deviant is a social process
• The Social Construction of Crime and Deviance refers to the idea that what is considered criminal or deviant behavior is determined by social norms, values, and power structures
• What role do power structures and institutions play in defining norms, according to Michel Foucault?

  Defining and enforcing norms
• Match the function of crime with its explanation according to Durkheim's functionalist perspective:

  Defining social boundaries ↔️ Clarifies acceptable behaviors by marking what is considered wrong

  Strengthening social cohesion ↔️ Society unites in response to crime, reinforcing shared values

  Enabling social change ↔️ Deviance challenges norms, leading to societal progress
• What is Durkheim's perspective on crime and deviance?

  Normal part of society
• Crime and deviance are fixed, objective categories.

  False
• Howard Becker argues that labeling certain behaviors as deviant is a social process
• Order the key theorists in the social constructionist approach based on their contributions to understanding crime and deviance.

  1️⃣ Emile Durkheim

  2️⃣ Howard Becker

  3️⃣ Michel Foucault
• The social constructionist approach argues that crime and deviance are determined by social norms, values, and power structures
• How does crime strengthen social cohesion, according to Durkheim?

  Reinforces shared values
• Conformity involves accepting both societal goals and means
• Becker argues that deviance is not an inherent quality of an act, but a consequence of society's response
• What is the Social Construction of Crime and Deviance?

  Determined by social factors
• According to Becker, what role does labeling play in defining deviance?

  Defines deviance
• Merton's Strain Theory posits that crime occurs when individuals are unable to achieve societal goals
• Match the adaptation with its goals and means according to Merton's Strain Theory:

  Conformity ↔️ Accepts goals, accepts means

  Innovation ↔️ Accepts goals, rejects means

  Ritualism ↔️ Rejects goals, accepts means

  Retreatism ↔️ Rejects goals, rejects means

  Rebellion ↔️ Rejects/Replaces goals, rejects/replaces means
• Becker's Labeling Theory contrasts with Durkheim's view of crime as a functional part of society


  True
• Deviance Amplification extends Becker's Labeling Theory by showing how social reactions can escalate deviance


  True
• Foucault highlights the role of power in defining and enforcing social norms
• The Social Construction of Crime and Deviance refers to the idea that what is considered criminal or deviant behavior is determined by social norms, values, and power structures
• What role do power structures and institutions play in defining norms, according to Michel Foucault?

  Defining and enforcing norms
• What is Durkheim's perspective on crime and deviance?

  Normal part of society
• Crime and deviance are fixed, objective categories.

  False
• What did Durkheim believe about crime and deviance in maintaining social order?

  Vital role
• Crime helps define social boundaries by marking what is considered wrong.


  True
• What role does crime play in maintaining social order, according to Durkheim?

  Vital role
• Match the adaptation with its description:

  Conformity ↔️ Achieves goals through legitimate means

  Innovation ↔️ Achieves goals illegitimately

  Ritualism ↔️ Abides by means without goals

  Retreatism ↔️ Withdraws from goals and means

  Rebellion ↔️ Replaces goals and means
• What is the central argument of Becker's Labeling Theory?

  Deviance is socially defined
• What is the key difference between Deviance Amplification and Durkheim's Functionalist view?

  Social reactions escalate deviance
• Durkheim believed that crime and deviance are a normal part of society
• Crime and deviance are socially constructed based on prevailing norms and power dynamics.

  True
• Merton's Strain Theory proposes five adaptations to the gap between cultural goals and available resources
• Becker's Labeling Theory argues that deviance is not inherent but a consequence of societal response
• Stages of the Deviance Amplification cycle

  1️⃣ Initial Deviant Act

  2️⃣ Labeling

  3️⃣ Reaction

  4️⃣ Reinforcement
• Becker emphasizes the role of power structures in shaping social norms, similar to Foucault

  False
• All three theorists agree that crime and deviance are inherent qualities of individuals

  False
• What is Durkheim's Functionalist perspective on crime?

  Normal and necessary
• Deviance can challenge norms, leading to societal progress
• What does Merton's Strain Theory propose about the causes of crime?

  Societal goals and means
• Merton's Strain Theory highlights how social structures influence individual responses to societal pressures.


  True